Why Ras Chikomeni is Suffering Ridicule

I grew up listening to reggae music. Then I studied the Rastafari teachings to understand some of what reggae musicians sing about in their music. 

My association with reggae and Rastas has always led to my suffering many stereotypes. 

Believe it or not, I have never smoked Chamba but I have grown up being labelled as a Chamba smoker.

If you ask me, I have no problems with those that smoke or eat Chamba in whatever forms. Chamba has become a sacred part of religious celebration of Rastas the same way Catholics use wine and Eucharist when celebrating mass.

Much as there are many religious practices worldwide, so are many questions over such practices. I am not here to address the same.

Now, ever since Rasta musician, Ras Chikomeni David Kadelele Chirwa expressed his interest to contest for the seat of president in May this year many things that expose the kind of society that we are have come to the fore.

It all started with one of the major media houses which had a one-on-one interview with Ras Chikomeni and you could clearly see how patronising and demeaning the programme host was towards him. This is but a reflection of the whole country towards Ras Chikomeni and all those of his ilk and those that are perceived to be Rastas.

Those that watched Joab Chakhaza interviewing Ras Chikomeni on ZBS will agree that he is more articulate that President Peter Mutharika.

Unlike many of us, he is well read despite only attaining a Junior Certificate qualification. Only when you try to pick Ras Chikomeni's brain will you then realise how intelligent and knowledgeable he is.

When I was the Northern Region Bureau Chief for Zodiak back in the days. Ras Chikomeni would come into my office and spend 2 hours - sometimes - where we would talk of the world's most famous philosophers and their theories.

Even when he shared with me his music, listening to what he sings gives you some picture of how a deep thinker he is.

Many people judge Ras Chikomeni because they say he has brown teeth damaged by Chamba smoking and that he has shabby locks that need some cleaning.

Then there are those running stereotypes that each and every Rasta suffer from people who put themselves above them in terms smartness, cleanliness, 'drug free' status, intelligence, Christianity or Islamic belief, education, mental capability and stableness and wealth attainment etc.

Rastas are victims of those snobs that hear none of the saying 'do not judge a book by its cover'. Since Ras Chikomeni is so funny and is seen to be acting like a buffoon, several 'clever' chaps have come up with fake social media accounts where they are posting stuff that those of us who have known him for some time would only feel sorry that this is how sick we are as a nation that we can somehow go to some length just to denigrate those that we think are crazy and stupid than we are.

A while ago Rastafarians were demonstrating against Government's education policy that does not allow their children to attend public schools if they are wearing locks. The attitude has always been dismissive.

When you listen to Reggae music, what Ras Chikomeni is currently facing is what, for long, the Rasta musicians have been singing against. They sing in demand of respect, equality, justice, love, peace, harmony etc.

Until the philosophy which hold one section of our society superior, and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned; until there is no longer first class citizens of any nation, until the basic human rights are guaranteed to all, there will be war so sang the Reggae King Bob Marley the words of Haille Selassie addressed at the UN assembly.